News

Back in January during CES 2021, we featured a concept Razer face mask, complete with RGB lighting, N95 filtration, and more. Simply known as Project Hazel at the time, it appeared as though it was going to remain in the concept phase indefinitely — until now. Once just an interesting idea, the high-tech Razer face mask now appears as though it will indeed go into production and up for sale thereafter. Head below for more details on Project Hazel, “the world’s smartest mask.”

After showing off its latest collectible Star Wars creations earlier in the week, the LEGO Group is back with a first look at its upcoming May the 4th UCS-style set. Bringing one of the most well-known droids in all of science fiction to your collection, we’ve gotten a first look at the new LEGO R2-D2 kit slated to arrive later this spring. Head below for everything we know so far.

SIGMA, an industry leader in photography equipment, just launched the newest member of its fp series of cameras. Part of the “world’s smallest and lightest full-frame digital single-lens mirrorless cameras,” the all-new SIGMA fp L delivers a 61 megapixel sensor that is perfect for both still and video work. What does this unique camera bring to the table? Let’s take a look.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Lately, we’ve been taking a look at some higher-end earbuds that look to go head-to-head with AirPods, but today, we’re moving onto the more budget-friendly end of the true wireless spectrum. The recently-released Tribit FlyBuds C1 enter with a more than impressive list of on-paper specs for the $70 price tag, but are they actually worth the cash? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys dives in to take the earbuds and their 50-hour battery life for a spin.

Smith & Wesson isn’t the only knife manufacturer with new releases landing ahead of peak camping season. A new Old Timer Trail Boss lineup is now up for pre-order at Amazon. It’s available in several variants, with both folding and fixed-blade designs. Each unit is intentionally made with outdoor activities in mind but will unquestionably come in handy when opening packages, knocking out projects around the house, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

Razer is out today with the latest gaming accessory geared towards PC users in the form of a new wired headset. Entering with 7.1-channel surround sound, 40mm drivers, and the brand’s signature Chroma RGB lighting, the new Razer Kraken V3 X delivers a stacked feature set alongside a compelling price tag. Head below for all of the details.

Last year we featured those adorable TUBBZ gaming collectibles, and we are now seeing the Sonic The Hedgehog range up for pre-order, alongside some others. The Numskull TUBBZ gaming collectibles are essentially miniature rubber duckies cosplaying as your favorite gaming characters, not unlike the popular Funko POP! vinyl collectibles, just in duck form. Head below for a closer look at the Sonic The Hedgehog TUBBZ, and to lock-in your pre-order. 

NZXT is no stranger here at 9to5Toys, and when they reached out with an opportunity to check out their first-ever AMD motherboard, we were all for it. We’re also huge AMD fans around here, though Intel is absolutely great in its own right. The NZXT N7 B550 is the company’s first motherboard based on an AMD platform, as they’ve previously only launched Intel-based boards. So, without further ado, let’s dive into what makes the NZXT N7 B550 a great choice for your next build.

Microsoft is announcing new Xbox wireless controllers today with upcoming Electric Volt and Daystrike Camo Special Edition models. After seeing new-generation carbon black, robot white, and shock blue models hit alongside Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft hit us with a Pulse Red model back in January (now available for purchase). But the collection is expanding today with a vibrant Volt colorway and camouflaged red variant. Head below for a closer look. 

Back in January, Microsoft announced that they would be raising the price of Xbox Live Gold. This received quite a bit of backlash, and Microsoft quickly reversed the change, as well as announced that they would no longer require Xbox Live Gold to enjoy free-to-play multiplayer titles. Well, it’s finally time for that to start being integrated, and Microsoft is beginning with its Alpha Skip Ahead release cycle. While this is a private release (invite-only), it’s at least progress toward it being integrated into the public release.

Optoma has unveiled two new 4K gaming projectors that shine bright and offer blazing-fast refresh rates. Both UHD35 and UHD38 models deliver top-notch feature sets when compared with many other units on the market. An up to 240Hz refresh rate on either unit is arguably the most notable specification here, but it doesn’t stop there. Brightness has been upgraded from 3,400 lumens in the previous-generation UHD30 to a 4,000-lumen lamp in Optoma’s top-tier model. Continue reading to learn more.

Jessica Alba’s popular organic brand Honest Baby just launched adorable clothing for your little ones. Inside this line, you will find great basics with tops, bottoms, jumpsuits, dresses, sleepers, and even bath towels. They also just debuted their spring collection with bright, fun colors to update your child’s wardrobe. The line also has an array of parent and baby-friendly details like easy zippers, snaps, and more. Best of all, you can also find this clothing line at Amazon with Prime shipping. Be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Honest’s new clothing line.

Supreme is now detailing its upcoming collection of spring and summer releases headlined by a batch of unique collaborations, including everything from NERF blasters and jet skis to film cameras and more. Everything, of course, comes decked out in the brand’s signature red and white color scheme. Head below for a closer look at some of our favorites from the upcoming Supreme spring and summer 2021 collection and all of the other details.

We now have the official gameplay trailer for the new Sherlock Holmes game. Currently in development at Frogware studios in Ireland, we are getting our first good look at gameplay in today’s trailer as well as some light details on the story and setting. Sherlock Holmes Chapter One, as it is officially known, is set for a 2021 release on PC and both current and previous-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft. Head below for a closer look. 

Amazfit is a hit on Amazon, and many customers love the designs and great prices. The company is updating one of its most beloved watches, the T-Rex, with an all-new Pro model that delivers a “tough military-grade smartwatch” that can last up to 18 days on a single charge. That’s right, over two weeks before you have to plug it back in. This makes it the perfect watch to wear when hiking, camping, or just riding your bike. But, what else can the Amazfit T-Rex Pro do? Let’s dive in.

Fans of The Mandalorian will soon have yet another way to showcase their love for the series. This is thanks to all-new Mandalorian Remote Covers for the Fire TV lineup. There are a couple of options to choose from, which is great for households with several Fire TVs. Both colorways are vibrant and should make your remote easier to spot. All ports, buttons, and functions remain accessible while the cover is on. Continue reading to learn more.

We just covered that GAP is going more green with a new eco-friendly line, and Nordstrom also has a new partnership with Package-Free to help you reduce your waste. The Nordstrom x Package Free line was designed to be a one-stop shop for zero-waste versions of everyday essentials. Inside this collection you can find products, from beauty and grooming to kitchen, cleaning, and even items for your little ones. Nordstrom also features free delivery on all orders. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Nordstrom x Package Free line.

Following in the footsteps of its similar Xbox gamepad, PowerA is now introducing its version of a Switch Elite controller known as the FUSION Pro Wireless. Continuing its domination of the third-party Switch controller and accessory space, PowerA now has its latest Xbox Elite-style FUSION Pro Wireless controller for Nintendo Switch up for pre-order. But with all of those professional features and customization options comes quite a hefty price tag. Check out the debut trailer and get more details below. 

Today, ECOVACS is expanding its stable of smart robotic vacuums with a pair of offerings that enter into the midrange of its lineup. Delivering quite a roster of notable features like laser guidance, Alexa voice control, and an improved suction system, the new ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ arrives with the brand’s most quiet cleaning experience yet alongside a bundled dirt disposal unit for automating even more of the process. And after putting it to the test for the last few weeks, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new release. Head below for all of the details and a closer look at the robotic vacuum’s performance.

After rumors suggested an upcoming new Nintendo Switch console was in the works with a Samsung OLED display, new details suggest it will be supported by an NVIDIA GPU. According to a new Bloomberg report citing sources close to the matter, Nintendo has tapped NVIDIA to supply a Deep Learning Super Sampling GPU for its allegedly new Nintendo Switch console. That along with an upgraded CPU and stock memory capacity will all supposedly ready to go for holiday season 2021. Head below for more details. 

Update: All three of the new LEGO Star Wars creations are now available for pre-order. The Darth Vader and Scout Trooper helmets, as well as the Probe Droid will be officially launching on April 26.

Today, we’re getting a look at the latest LEGO creations from a galaxy far, far away with the debut of three upcoming builds from the Original Trilogy. With one kit centered around each of the three Star Wars films that started it all, The LEGO Group is expanding its collection of brick-built helmets with two imperial icons alongside the release of the latest buildable character. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Darth Vader and Scout Trooper helmets, as well as the new Probe Droid kit.

As the popularity of 60% keyboards grows, we’re starting to see even more options from well-known brands like HyperX. Their latest addition is the HyperX Alloy origins 60. With robust build quality, clever layout, and some other nice features for a 60% board, it’s shaping up to be a solid choice in the compact keyboard world priced at $100. Be sure to hit the video below to see all the details. 

Originally announced in 2018, we last took a deep look at upcoming content for Fallout 76 in 2019. Well, Bethesda is back, fresh off its merger with Microsoft, showcasing a slew of upcoming content for its latest Fallout title. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s coming up for Fallout 76’s 2021 road map.

The upcoming release of Monster Hunter Rise for Nintendo Switch has led to yet another Hori Split Pad Pro variant. A Monster Hunter Rise-inspired unit pays homage to the series with a colorful style, game logo, and standout font selection. As with all other variants, this unit wraps your Nintendo Switch in a full-size controller. It’s more ergonomic and arguably easier to use than Nintendo’s bundled Joy-Con controllers. Continue reading to learn more.

Gap has launched a new eco-friendly collection called “For Good.” This new collection was made with less waste, less water, and better materials. The entire collection is designed with 50% recycled materials, and this brand was made to bring you clothes that you will love to live in. Best of all, this line features pricing starting from just $10. Be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks from the Gap “For Good” Collection.

Last month, as part of its first State of Play presentation of the year, Sony dropped the first details on Final Fantasy VII Intergrade — a new version housing the upcoming expansion and the PS5 upgrade. Square Enix has now released a new nearly 6-minute trailer for Intergrade, once again highlighting the graphical improvements, quality of life enhancements, new gameplay modes, and the upcoming Yuffie expansion story arch. Running nearly double the length of the debut trailer here, there are plenty of details on what to expect when Final Fantasy VII Intergrade launches in June. Head below for a closer look. 

Update: LEGO’s new 2,300-piece NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set is now available for purchase.

Today, The LEGO Group is expanding its collection of out-of-this-world creations with a new NASA-inspired model. Bringing the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery into brick-built form for only the second time, this massive 2,354-piece model is the largest recreation to date measuring over 21 inches long. Complete with plenty of authentic details, you’ll also find an included Hubble telescope build, accurate crew cabin, and much more. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Space Shuttle Discovery set.

EA Play was first announced to be available to Game Pass and Game Pass for PC players on December 15 but was eventually bumped back due to some issues with the rollout. Well, if you own a Windows desktop and subscribe to Game Pass, it’s time to rejoice: EA Play is finally available for you. Launched yesterday, let’s take a look at how you can use this service and enjoy some Star Wars or Sims 4 fun on your desktop.

After getting some new details on the upcoming UCS Republic Gunship direct from The LEGO Group yesterday, we’re now ending the week with a first look at what to expect from the Marvel 2021 summer wave. With a series of kits from upcoming films and Disney+ series to a lineup highlighting some of the most iconic moments in the MCU, there’s a collection of new builds on the way geared toward younger builders and collectors alike. Head below for everything we know so far on the LEGO Summer 2021 Marvel lineup.

Last year was rough, but there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel. Before you know it, life will look similar to what it did prior to the pandemic, and throwing a large party will no longer be a terrible idea. The new Samsung Sound Tower wants to be there once the dust has settled. It’s a massive Bluetooth speaker that stands nearly 2 feet tall and is ready to shake the floor with powerful 300-watt audio output. Party lighting is also onboard and two devices can be paired wirelessly using Bluetooth to help divvy up your DJ-related responsibilities. Continue reading to learn more.

H&M wants to help you get your home ready for Easter with stylish table settings, pillow covers, baskets, and much more. H&M also features budget-friendly prices with rates starting at just $3 and ranging up to $70. With Easter right around the corner, this is a great way to brighten up your home to get it ready for spring. Plus, H&M offers free delivery on orders exceeding $40 or more. Hit the jump to find all of our top picks from the H&M Easter Collection. Also, be sure to check out our guide to Dick’s Sporting Goods’ latest in-house brand VRST with tons of great styles for men.

Update: Now available for pre-order for $43.99 with a stateside release in September.

Today, Bandai is showcasing its latest model kit, this time departing from the Gundam and mecha anime-inspired kits we typically see in favor of yet another iconic series. Bringing the Millennium Puzzle from Yu-Gi-Oh! and into your collection, the unique kit assembles into a life-size replica of the pendant. And to stay true to the anime, Bandai is purposefully leaving out any instructions to make for an even more accurate release. Head below for all of the details on the upcoming Bandai Millennium Puzzle model kit.

Developer Innersloth has now finally announced a release date for the Among Us Airship map alongside a slew of other updates and enhancements. Last year’s most downloaded mobile game has now made its way to Switch with a Game Pass release slated for this year, and now the long-awaited Airship map for the hit murder mystery game is scheduled to land at the end of this month. Head below for more details. 

If you spend some time looking around at what microphones your favorite creators are using, chances are you’ll see a large dynamic microphone like the Sure SM7B a few times. While it sounds incredible for spoken voice, the $400 price tag can come with a bit of sticker shock compared to other viable options for dynamic microphones. At $199, the new Samson Q9U is looking to capture some of that market. With both USB and XLR outputs, mic monitoring, and internal shock mount, how does it perform? Be sure to check out the video below to hear for yourself. 

Cricut, the well-known at-home DIY crafting company, has found itself in the middle of some customer turmoil the last few days. Though the company recently released a statement backtracking its announcement that free customers would be limited to 20 file uploads per month, many are still interested in changing out their machines for something that can’t be affected by such change. So, if you’re looking for the best Cricut alternatives, we’ve got you covered down below.

After fans got to vote on the next LEGO UCS Star Wars creation nearly a year ago, it was announced that the Republic Gunship would be assembled as the latest collectible kit from a galaxy far, far away. With all of the rumors starting to swirl about the summer 2021 lineup, we’re getting some additional details today from The LEGO Group on what we can expect from the massive set. Head below for all of the new details on the Ultimate Collector Series Republic Gunship.

Just last week, we took notice of Smith & Wesson’s upcoming Karambit folding knife. It caught our eye, thanks to standout styling, something that can also be said for the upcoming Smith & Wesson 24/7 Tanto knife. It features a 4-inch stainless steel blade and the entire unit weighs 6.4 ounces. A fixed design means that the blade cannot be folded away, but the company remedies this by bundling a sheath with this offering. Continue reading to learn more.

Dick’s Sporting Goods just launched a new men’s apparel line called VRST. This new line features versatile items for working out or commuting and more. This collection features 29 items with prices ranging from from $30 to $120. The brand made this line for a modern active man who lives life on the go. VRST is available exclusively on VRST.com and dickssportinggoods.com and will roll out to more than 400 Dick’s stores across the US over the coming weeks. Dick’s Sporting Goods also offers free delivery on orders of $50 or more. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from VRST, and be sure to check out our latest guide to Callaway’s new spring collection here.

Braun is teaming up with Virgil Abloh — founder of the Off-White clothing brand and current Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton — on an interesting new functional art project. Coming alongside a short film and remix track by the Off-White designer, Braun and Abloh are also reimagining the brand’s 1965 ‘Wandanlage’ hi fi audio wall unit to mark the occasion. You’ll definitely want to head below to take a quick look. 

After launching a successful collection with Disney back in January, CASETiFY is back today with a new batch of iPhone cases and Apple accessories. With much of the same Mickey Mouse-inspired offerings and overall theming present throughout the lineup, you’ll find a series of fresh designs for all of the devices in your Apple kit. Head below for a closer look at all of the upcoming limited-edition CASETiFY Disney iPhone 12 cases and details on scoring it for yourself. 

Last month, Sony briefly introduced us to the next generation of virtual reality on its platform, and today it has revealed the new PS VR controllers. The new, hand cage-like design brings much of the DualSense PS5 controller sensibilities to the table with haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, finger touch detection, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

After first announcing the program back in December, The LEGO Group, in partnership with its subsidiary BrickLink, is officially launching its new Designer Program. Inviting 31 builders to the unique initiative, there is now a unique collection of fan-made kits slated to go up for pre-order starting in the summer. Head below for more for a closer look at all 31 of the upcoming builds and all of the details.

If you’re working from home these days, finding ergonomic desk accessories is becoming a requirement instead of a pipe dream, it seems. I fell in love with both the Logitech Ergonomic Keyboard and the MX Vertical mouse, so when Kensington reached out to have me take a look at their Pro Fit Ergo Vertical Wireless Trackball, I was very intrigued to see if it would match up to what I was missing now that my MX Vertical has bit the dust. So, without further ado, here’s my review of the Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Vertical Wireless Trackball.

The latest Garmin Approach lineup of watches has been unveiled in time to help lower your 2021 golf scorecard. Three new offerings fill out its ever-growing list of smartwatches and wearables. Garmin touts these units as packing sunlight-readable displays, a feature that is bound to come in handy when golfing. Battery life lasts up to 10 days, and when using GPS, select models can stay powered up for as long as 30 hours. Continue reading to learn more.

Are you ready for golf season? Callaway’s new spring arrivals are live and ready. Hit the links in style with new light layers, pants, shorts, and more. Plus, customers receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Better yet, Callaway is offering budget-friendly pricing, with most styles being priced at under $100. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Callaway. Also, be sure to check our latest guide to the best luggage options under $100.